Klay Thompson Out for 2021 Season

Klay Thompson, one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history, faced a devastating setback when he was ruled out for the 2021 NBA season. After missing the entire 2019-20 season due to a torn ACL in his left knee suffered during the 2019 Finals, Thompson was preparing for a comeback. However, during a workout in Los Angeles in November 2020, he sustained a complete tear of his right Achilles tendon, an injury that would require extensive surgery and rehabilitation.

The Injury and Surgery

On November 18, 2020, Thompson felt a sharp pain in his right calf while playing a casual pickup game. Subsequent imaging revealed a torn Achilles tendon. On November 25, the Golden State Warriors announced that Thompson had undergone successful surgery to repair the rupture. The typical recovery timeline for an Achilles tear is 9 to 12 months, making it clear that he would miss the entire upcoming season. The 2020-21 NBA season, which began in December 2020 and concluded with the Finals in July 2021, would go on without Thompson.

Impact on the Golden State Warriors

Without Thompson, the Warriors lost one of their best defenders and most lethal off-ball scorers. Stephen Curry carried the team, averaging 32 points per game and finishing second in MVP voting. However, the supporting cast struggled to fill the void. The team finished 39-33, good for eighth in the Western Conference, but lost both play-in games and missed the playoffs. The lack of a second star and floor-spacer was evident, as defenses focused heavily on Curry.

In response, the Warriors front office made moves to stay competitive, including trading for Kelly Oubre Jr. and selecting James Wiseman with the second overall pick in the 2020 draft. While Oubre showed flashes, the team lacked the chemistry and shooting that Thompson typically provided.

Recovery and Comeback

Thompson spent the 2020-21 season rehabbing his Achilles. The process was painstaking, involving months of physical therapy and gradual strengthening. His progress was kept largely private, but by December 2021 he was cleared for full practice. He made his long-awaited return to the court on January 9, 2022, scoring 17 points in a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thompson quickly regained form and played a pivotal role in the Warriors' run to the 2022 NBA championship, their fourth title in eight seasons.

Career Legacy

Before these injuries, Thompson had established himself as one of the premier two-way players in the league. He is a five-time NBA All-Star, a two-time All-NBA selection, and a member of the All-Defensive Team. Thompson holds the NBA record for most three-pointers in a single quarter (9) and a playoff game (11). His ability to score in bunches without dominating the ball made him an ideal fit alongside Curry and Draymond Green. The resilience he showed in returning from two devastating lower-body injuries only added to his legacy.

Although being out for the 2021 season was a major blow, Thompson's journey back to the court demonstrated his determination. The Warriors organization supported him every step of the way, and his eventual return in 2022 proved that he could still perform at a high level. For fans and analysts, the missed 2021 season remains a “what if” moment, but Thompson's story ultimately became one of perseverance and triumph.